SEEK FOCUS
Learning Together
Learning Together
Spring ISSUE 1 - June , 2024
On May 30, 2025, Medgar Evers College hosted its 54th Commencement Ceremony at the Coney Island Amphitheater, where 38 SEEK students were among the graduates. The event was led by Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College, the first woman to lead Medgar Evers College, presided over the ceremony.
The Keynote Speaker and Honorary Doctorate was Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, delivered an inspiring keynote address. A Harlem native, Boykin-Towns has a distinguished career spanning public service and corporate leadership, including her role as Pfizer’s first Chief Diversity Officer. She is also the founder and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony.
The college also honored Roger L. Green, a former New York State Assemblyman and a pivotal figure in the establishment of Medgar Evers College’s Center for Law and Social Justice. Serving Brooklyn’s 57th District from 1981 to 2007, Green was instrumental in advocating for civil and human rights legislation. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in acknowledgment of his enduring impact on social justice and education.
Among the shining stars of the graduating class were SEEK students recognized for their outstanding academic achievements:
Lynn Garcia and Khadajah Buchanan graduated with the highest distinction — Summa Cum Laude.
Awa Diallo and Angelique Bosque earned high honors — Magna Cum Laude.
Nadisha Hall, Heidi Jean Pierre, Aneiledi Perez, Abina McFarlane, Fatoumata Saho, Wendy Rodriguez Antunez, Paola Lopez Rodriguez, and Maya Watkis all graduated with honors — Cum Laude.
Medgar Evers College held its 53rd SEEK Awards Ceremony on May 7, 2025, at the Skylite Café, AB1 Building Hall. The Percy E. Sutton SEEK Program, under the theme "Honoring the Journey: Resilience, Opportunity, and Hope," showcased an inspiring evening of achievement and recognition, presided over by college President Dr. Patricia Ramsey and SEEK Program Director Ms. Sherrill-Ann Mason.
The SEEK Student of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Nadisha Hall, recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and continued commitment to success. Nadisha Hall, SEEK Student of the Year, earned Academic Achievement honors with over a 3.0 GPA in both Spring and Fall 2024 and participated in prestigious programs including CUNY-MEC ICORP and the Middle States Conference. She was accepted into Columbia University's Master’s in Nursing program with a $65,000 scholarship and represented MEC at the 54th Annual Legislative Conference.
Ms. Martiny Derameaux received the Tutor of the Year Award in honor of her exceptional support and impact on student achievement within the SEEK community.
The event also honored graduates from the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
Students are recognized with an "Academic Achievement Certificate" for having over a 3.0 Cumulative GPA - Fall 2024 semester, Spring 2025 semester.
An award is given for "Exceptional First-Time Freshman Certificate"4.
◦These students are specifically defined as First-time Freshmen who completed 12.5 credits with over a 3.0 Fall Term GPA. terrica whyte got the highest GPA.
Several SEEK students were recognized for their exceptional achievements this year. Awa Diallo and Sheray Goday interned with Brooklyn Recovery Corps and were accepted into graduate programs at Baruch and NYU, respectively—with Sheray earning a $16,500 scholarship. Nadisha Hall, the 2025 Student of the Year, was accepted into Columbia University’s Nursing program with a $65,000 scholarship and represented MEC at the Albany Legislative Conference. Heidi Jean-Pierre was accepted to SUNY Downstate’s MPH program, while Mamoudou Diomande was honored for his leadership and civic engagement through MEC SGA and the Model Senate. Jahiem Johnson excelled in athletics, winning multiple titles in CUNYAC Track & Field. Moses Daylon Down received the inaugural Herb Turetzky Scholarship, and Thierno Diallo represented SEEK in multiple national conferences and leadership programs.
Photo Contribution : Jessica Wise - SEEK Intern
Columbia University Tour with ASAP & TRIO
Contribution - Dr. Jessica Rivera, SEEK Acadmeic Manager., Medgar Evers College.
On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, students from various programs, including ASAP, TRIO, SEEK, and the general MEC student body, participated in a thrilling campus tour of Columbia University, specifically the prestigious Columbia Business School. The event, open to all majors and all MEC students, offered a unique opportunity to explore one of the top business schools in the country. With lunch provided, students enjoyed a day of learning and networking. The trip, which was organized on a first-come, first-served basis, required no payment or deposit but necessitated submitting a trip form to reserve a spot. Participants took responsibility for communicating any class absences with their professors and making up missed work. The event successfully brought together a diverse group of students, fostering connections and offering valuable insights into the world of business education.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Spring Break Trip
Contribution - Dr. Jessica Rivera, SEEK Acadmeic Manager., Medgar Evers College.
On April 25, 2024, the SEEK Program, Office of Student Life, CHAMPSS, PBI, and MDEC successfully organized an Alternative Spring Break Experience for Medgar Evers College students, offering an enriching opportunity for social and civic engagement. A group of 80 students traveled to Washington, DC, to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the only national museum dedicated solely to documenting African American life, history, and culture. This visit was part of a broader program designed to provide a diverse and immersive experience by exploring culturally historic sites, healthcare, government, judicial, educational, sustainable agriculture, and community service facilities and organizations. Through this experience, students not only broadened their horizons but also developed a deeper understanding of their roles as responsible and engaged citizens. Established by an Act of Congress in 2003, the museum stands as a testament to decades of efforts to celebrate and highlight the contributions of African Americans.
Morgan State University Visit
Contribution - Dr. Jessica Rivera, SEEK Acadmeic Manager., Medgar Evers College.
In the recent spring break excursion on Friday, April 26, 2024, 35 enthusiastic participants embarked on a memorable journey led by Morgan State University student Reina through the historic grounds of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Despite 47 initial sign-ups, the smaller group size allowed for a more intimate and engaging experience. The day commenced with a nourishing group breakfast courtesy of Panera Bread, followed by a stimulating career readiness workshop on wheels, fostering discussions on transferable skills and cultural comparisons between Morgan State University and Predominantly Black Institute Medgar Evers College. After a savory lunch provided by Thurgood Marshall Dining Hall, participants delved deeper into campus history and culture through a captivating scavenger hunt and a comprehensive tour led by Reina, offering invaluable insights into the university's rich heritage.
As the day unfolded, attendees immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the "I Love Morgan" Carnival, marking the conclusion of their spring break with a celebration of unity and community spirit. This enriching experience not only provided a platform for personal growth and cultural exchange but also aligned with the objectives of Project Thrive, an initiative aimed at empowering SEEK students with essential soft skills and leadership qualities. Through collaborative efforts and meticulous planning, this excursion exemplified the commitment to holistic education and student development, laying the foundation for future endeavors in fostering campus and community leaders.
Lavender Celebration
Contributions - Dr. Jessica Rivera, SEEK Acadmeic Manager, Medgar Evers College.
On Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, from 12:30pm to 3pm, Medgar Evers College hosted the Lavender Celebration, an end-of-year event honoring graduating LGBTQI+ and allied students. Organized by MEC's Faculty & Student Committee, this cultural celebration took place at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center (1561 Bedford Ave) and was also available in a hybrid format. The event acknowledged the achievements and contributions of students of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, celebrating their significant impacts on the college community. The 2024 theme, "Building Coalitions for Sustainability," emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration for a sustainable future. Attendees enjoyed Nigerian catered lunch, and graduating students received rainbow graduation tassels as symbols of their resilience and accomplishments. Additionally, two awards were given to two allies and accomplices, Dr. Jessica C. Rivera SEEK Academic Program Manager and Ms. Lisa LoFaso, Director of ASAP. Overall, the celebration was a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to the diverse and inclusive spirit of Medgar Evers College.
Columbia University, New York.
National Museum of African American Trip
Morgan State University Trip
Lavendar Celebration - Medgar Evers College
Welcome SEEK Scholars!
Whether you're joining us in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026, you're about to begin a journey that goes far beyond the classroom. We're excited to introduce the Career Development Roadmap (CDR) — your personal guide to becoming career-ready while earning your degree.
🎯 What Is the Career Development Roadmap?
The CDR is a four-year plan packed with real-world skills, such as networking opportunities, and professional development tools. You’ll be guided by your SEEK Counselor and Career Development Advisor, and check in regularly to track your progress.
💡 Why Start Now?
Career readiness isn't something you cram for like an exam — it's something you build step by step. By starting early, you give yourself time to learn, grow, and make meaningful choices about your future.
Here's a quick preview of how you'll grow each year:
🧭 Freshman Year: Explore & Discover
👉 Goal: Build your professional foundation and learn about the tools that will carry you through your college career.
🔍 Sophomore Year: Get Involved
👉 Goal: Learn about your career options, strengthen soft skills, and start networking.
💼 Junior Year: Plan Ahead
👉 Goal: Reflect on your goals and prepare to tell your professional story.
🎓 Senior Year: Launch Time
👉 Goal: Graduate with a clear path forward and all the tools you need to succeed.
Stay tuned for workshops, events, and check-ins — and let’s make sure you're not just college-ready, but career-ready too!
For assistance in planning your career paths, including creating cover letters, resumes, personal statements, please contact:
Dr. Jessica Rivera - jessicar@mec.cuny.edu
Ms. Dorla Grant - Dgrant@mec.cuny.edu
Advisors:
Dr. Jewel James - Jjames@mec.cuny.edu
Dr. Rebecca Cenatus - Rcenatus@mec.cuny.edu
Ms. Takisha Randall - Trandall@mec.cuny.edu
The Office of Career Management Services facilitates professional workshops throughout the academic year on the following topics:
• Resume Writing • Dressing for Success • Career Assessments • Interviewing • Networking • Job Search Strategies.
Create your Symplicity profile here
Contact information
Student Services Building, Rm S302
Email - mec-career@mec.cuny.edu
Phone: 718-270-6055
Welcome to the students' resources page. CUNY and Medgar Evers College have a wealth of resources for students.
Start here to find helpful info around the campus.
The newsletter Team would like to congratulate the Graduates of 2023 - 2024. We wish you well in all your future endeavors. Caps off to you, Graduates! Well done!”
Please contact the Newsletter Team at newsletterseek@gmail.com if you would like to participate or contribute a piece. Your stories matter to us and so we would love to hear them.
Lastly, kindly check out our comments section below where you can leave a comment or ask a question. Let us know how we are doing.
Thanks
The Newsletter Team